Using folinic acid to reduce toxicity from pemetrexed in cancer treatment

The Effect of Oral Folinic Acid Rescue Therapy on Pemetrexed Induced Neutropenia: A Randomized Open-label Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Amphia Hospital · NCT06010277

This study is testing if giving folinic acid can help reduce side effects from a cancer drug called pemetrexed for people with advanced lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAmphia Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations2 sites (Breda, Noord Brabant and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06010277 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the hematological toxicity experienced by patients undergoing treatment with pemetrexed, comparing those who receive folinic acid as a rescue therapy to those who do not. The primary endpoint focuses on the difference in neutrophil counts between the two groups at days 8-10 post-administration of pemetrexed. Secondary endpoints include assessing the severity of neutropenia, plasma homocysteine levels, chemotherapy efficacy, and the incidence of treatment interruptions. The trial involves 50 patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer or mesothelioma, participating in a multi-center, open-label, randomized design over four treatment cycles.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer or mesothelioma who are eligible for pemetrexed-based chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to folinic acid or those with anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of hematological toxicity in patients receiving pemetrexed, improving their overall treatment experience.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is not widely tested, similar studies have shown promise in managing chemotherapy-induced toxicity with supportive therapies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all of the following criteria:

1. ≥18 years old
2. Eligible for treatment with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy based on indication.
3. ECOG performance score of 0-2.
4. Subject is able and willing to sign the Informed Consent Form

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

1. Contraindications for treatment with folinic acid in line with the SmPC.

   1. Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
   2. Anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
2. The presence of clinically relevant drug-drug interactions, according to the current SmPC of folinic acid.

Where this trial is running

Breda, Noord Brabant and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions NSCLCMesotheliomaThymoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.